While Van Gaal's advisers deny terms have already been agreed with United, there is optimism that negotiations can be concluded and that an announcement can be made, even as soon as before the weekend.

If Van Gaal does become David Moyes's permanent successor as manager he could bring Patrick Kluivert as part of his coaching staff, although the former Newcastle United striker would not be his No2. This would allow Van Gaal to offer the role to Ryan Giggs, the interim manager, although the 62-year-old is under no pressure from United to do so.

Giggs, who is in charge until the close of the season as player-manager, admits his future at United is yet to be decided. "I think that's another conversation as well," he said. "I don't know what I'm doing about playing, I don't know what's going to happen, so again it's something that I'll think about and decide with the appropriate people after the season."

Van Gaal has a World Cup training camp for the home-based Holland players that begins on 7 May so would hope to finalise his future before then.